Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has delivered his verdict on Frank Lampard and Everton ahead of his side’s opening match of the Premier League season.
The Blues travel to Goodison Park at 5:30pm (UK) to face their former boss Lampard and his Everton side who narrowly escaped relegation last season.
Tuchel’s men came away empty handed from the fixture last season, falling to a 1-0 defeat in Merseyside after a Richarlison goal to help Everton stay in the Premier League.
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Chelsea have lost their last four matches at Goodison Park and will be looking to set the record right on the first game of the Premier League season, with Tuchel’s men no doubt looking to challenge at the top of the table once more.
Marc Cucurella could feature after completing his move from Brighton and Hove Albion, being registered in time to make the matchday squad.
There could also be competitive debuts for both Raheem Sterling and Kalidou Koulibaly as Chelsea hope to get off to a good start this season.
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Speaking to the press ahead of the match, Tuchel reflected on last season’s challenge at Goodison Park and provided his verdict on Lampard's team ahead of their meeting on Saturday evening.
"We played very late last season and lost,” Tuchel recalled. “We remember very well.
“Very emotional crowd and team. We know some very familiar faces on the other bench.”
The German concluded by showing respect to his predecessor at Stamford Bridge, admitting that he is expecting a competitive but respectful match-up against Chelsea legend Lampard.
He continued: "Still, we have nothing but respect for Frank and his staff.
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“It was, and will be very respectful between the two benches, but it will be competitive.
"We do not like to lose.
"We know what's coming and we will be ready."
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Arsenal got the Premier League season off and running on Friday night with a 2-0 victory at Crystal Palace and will no doubt be challenging Chelsea at the top end of the table, having made several improvements over the summer.
The Blues are still looking to make additions to Tuchel’s squad, with Leicester City defender Wesley Fofana heavily linked, while there could still be a handful of outgoings at Stamford Bridge.
For now, Tuchel will have to make do with what he has as Chelsea look to get the Premier League season off to a good start against Everton on Saturday.
Topics: Chelsea, Thomas Tuchel, Frank Lampard, Everton, Premier League
Nick Emms